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FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE 





D /l^MY OF THE I|EPUBL1C, 



EIDITIOl^, ^TJG-TJST, 1881. 



Organization 



iisriDEs: 



POSTS. 



PAGE 
2 



Charters 

By-Laws 

Fees 

Fines . 

Arrears 

Relief Fund 

Meetings 

Trustees, or C. of A. 

Miscellaneous 

Officers — Elected 
" Appointed 

Titles . 
" Eligibility 

" Elections 



Organization of 

Provisional 

Encampment 

Representatives 

Meetings . 

By-Laws . 

Officers — Elected 
" Appointed 

" Vacancies 

Commander 



2 


Officers— Past Officers 




4 


2 


Representatives . 


4 


3 


Alternates . 


4 


3 


Commander, General Duties . 5 


3 


" " Instructions 5, 6 


3 


Vice-Commanders 


6 


3 


Adjutant 




. 6,7 


3 


Quartermaster 




. 7,8 


3.4 


Surgeon 




8 


4 


Chaplain 




9 


4 


Officer of the Day 




9 


4 


" " Guard 




9 


4 


Sergeant-Major . 




9 


4 


Quartermaster-Sergeant 

■^ TV T T7 XT T* O 


9 


EPAR' 

lO 


MENTS. 

Vice Department Commander . 13 


0, 15 


Assistant Adjutant-General 


13 


10 


" Quartermaster-General 14 


II 


Inspector .... 


14 


II 


Judge-Advocate 


14 


12 


Chief Mustering Officer . 


14 


12 


Medical Director 


14 


12 


Chaplain . . , , 


14 


12 


Council of Administration 


14 


12 


General Provisions . 




IS 



NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT. 



Encampment 

Election of Representatives 

Credentials 

Amendments to R. and R. 

Meetings .... 

Officers — Elected 

" Appointed . 

" \'acancies . 

Commander-in-Chief 



16 


Vice Commanders-in-Chief 


iS 


16 


Adjutant-General 


18 


16 


Quartermaster- General 


18 


16 


Inspector-General 


19 


17 


Surgeon-General 


19 


'7 


Chaplain-in-Chief 


'9 


17 


Judge Advocate-General . 


19 


'7, 19 


General Provisions . 


19 


17 


National C. of A. . 


19 





INDEX. 
GENERAL. 




PAGE 




Admission to Membership 


20 


Discharges 


Eligibility to Membership . 


21 


Voting in Posts . 


to Office . 


22 


" in Departments 


Appeals .... 


22 


" in Nat. Encampmei 


Arrearages of Members . 


23 


Bonds . . . . 


" of Posts . 


23 


Court-Martial 


" of Departments 


24 


Correspondence 


Returns and Reports . 


24 


Orders . . . . 


of Posts . 


24 


Memorial Day . 


of Departments 


24 


Parades . . . . 


of Inspections 


25 


Formation 


General Notes . 


25 


Saluting . 


Leaves of Absence . 


26 


Funeral Honors 


Transfers .... 


26 


General Instructions 



26 

27 
28 
28 
28 
31 

38 

39 
40 
40 

41 
42 
42 

42 



Jsy£ J^lSr TJ J^IL, 



FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE 



t^attlr ^tnty o£ tl^e ^epuUliiC^ 



Originally compiled by Comrades Robert B. Beath, Pennsylvania, Jas. L. Farley,- 
New Yoik, and Jos. F Levering, Massachusetts, (a Committee appointed in 
accordance with a Resolution of tne National Encampment at Springfield, 
Mass , June 4, 1S7S), and adopted by the National Encampment at Albany, 
N. Y., June iS, 1S79. 

Revised in pursuance of the action of the National Encampment, at Dayton, Ohio^ 
June 8 and 9, iSSo. 

ROBT. B. BEATH, } 

GEO. B. SQUIRES, > Committee. 

THEO. F. LANG, ) 



The Opinions of the Judge Advocate-General, I. to LXXIIL, are numbered in 
accordance with the Reprint of Decisions as reported by Judge Advocate-General 
Douglas, 6th to lotii National Encampments, inclusive, compiled May, 1S77. 

Subsequent decisions are numbered and dated as reported in the Journal of 
Proceedings of the Sessions of the National Encampment. 

The Page of Rules and Regulations follows reference to Article and Chapter. 



Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic, 

Philadelphia, January 3, iSSi. 
Approved, 

LOUIS WAGNER, 

Commander-in-Chief. 
Official, 

ROBT, B. BEATH, 

Adjutant-General. 



ORGANIZATION. 

The several constituted bodies of the Grand Army of the Republic are as 
follows : 

1st. The Post. 
2d. The Depart.vient. 
3d. The National Encampment. 
They are herein treated in the order given. 

POSTS. 

Charters— \. Formed by the authority of a Department Commander (or of 
the Commander-in-Chief, where no Department exists), on the application of not 
less than ten persons eligible to membership. Sec. r, Art. I., Ch. II , Page 5. Sec. 
I, 2, Art I., Ch. v.. Page 22. 

Persons previously "dropped" from any other Post, unless reinstated, as 
required (Sec. 4, Art. IV., Ch. V., Page 25), cannot form part of a new Post. Op. 
XXXV., May 25, 1S72. Op. XLII., Dec. 19, 1872. (See Admission to Member- 
ship, Manual.) 

2. Can only act under a legal and unforfeited charter. Sec. i. Art. I., Ch. II, 
Page 5. 

3 Posts rank from date of charter under which they are working. Sec. 4, 
Art. I., Ch. II., Page 5. 

4. Charters may be surrendered when less than ten members desire the con- 
tinuance of a Post, upon proposition to surrender made at least four weeks prior to 
action thereon, and due notice to every member. In case of surrender or forfeiture 
of charter, all Post property must be turned over to A. Q. M. G. Sec. 3, Art. I., 
Ch. v., Page 22. Sec. 2, Art. I., Ch. II., Page 5. 

Charters cannot be surrendered conditionally, or for a limited time. Op. XLIV., 
Jan. 74, 1873. 

5. Charters may be suspended or annulled by the Department Commander, 
with advice and consent of the Council of Administration. Sec. 4, Art. I., Ch. V., 
Page 22. 

6. Disbanded Posts may be re-organized, using the original name and number, 
unless these have been otherwise appropriated. 

A new charter shall be issued without fee, bearing names of new as well as of 
the old members applying. Sec. 3, Art. I., Ch. H., Page 5. 

By-L'T2os — 7. May adopt By-Laws for their government not inconsistent with 
the R. and R., or Orders of National and Department Encampments. Art. X., 
Ch. II., Page II, 

Transmit MSS. of By-Laws to Department Headquarters for approval before 
printing. Matters governed by the R. and R. are not to be incorporated in Post 
By-Laws. 

8. The By-Laws shall be signed by each recruit within a reasonable time after 
muster Op. LXVIL, Sept. 3, 1S75. 



Fees — g. Posts, either by By-Laws or by vote at the last meeting in December, 
may assess a per capita tax. Sec. 3, Art. III., Ch. V., Page 25. None can be ex- 
empted from the payment of such tax except by reason of sickness or misfortune. 
Op. LX., April iS, 1S74. 

10. Posts may fix and alter the amount of the muster-in fee by their By-Laws, 
The amount shall not be less than one dollar. Sec. 8, Art. II , Ch. II., Page 7 ; 
Par. I, Op. v., Aug. 14, 1871. 

The fee forfeited by failure of applicant to present himself for muster within 
the stipulated time may be returned by the Post. Op. II., July 3, 187 r. 

Fines — II. Cannot provide by By-Laws for forfeiture of office. May inflict 
fines by the By-Laws, but this penalty on a !'. C. would have to be recovered by 
court-marshal, convened by Dep. Commander. Op. XXIII., Feb. 3, 1872. 

12. May by By-Law exclude suspended members from Post meetings. Op. 
XVI., Nov. 26, 1S71. 

13. May in certain cases refuse admission to members of other Posts, but not 
to Dep. Officers on duty. Op. XXXIV., April 20, 1S72. 

Arrears — 14. In arrears for returns and dues must be excluded from repre- 
sentation in the Department Encampment. Sec. 2, Art. IV., Ch. V., Page 25. 

When twenty days in arrears, to be published in General Orders. Res. Nat. 
Enc . Tune, iSSi ; Page S03 'Journal. 

Relief— li). Are required to establish a Relief Fund. Art. XII, Ch. V., Page 

31- 

Meetings — 16. Must meet at least monthly. Special meetings may be convened 
by order of the P. C. Eight members constitute a quorum. Art. V., Ch. II., Page 8« 

Trustees — Posts would do well to provide by By Law that moneys cannot be 
voted at special meetings, and that the business to be transacted be specified in the 
call. 

17. A C<3uncil of Administration for Posts (as originally) is not now provided 
for in R. and R. Each Post may choose a Council or Trustees, and provide for 
their number, election, and duties. 

Miscellaneous — 18, Posts cannot close by a m tion to adjourn. The Ritual 
must be followed. Op. XII., Feb. 27, 1S7S, Page 544, Journal 1878. Also, Op. 30, 
May 6, 1S79, Page 621, Journal 1S79. 

19. Posts cannot ballot for several candidates collectively. Op. 27, March 29, 
1S79, Page 619, Journal 1S79. 

20. Posts must ballot on applications for membership even when the Com. re- 
port unfavorably. Op. 16, Aug. 2, 1878, Page 614, Jotirnal 1S79. 

21. Until the written report of a Committee on an application is in the posses- 
sion of the Post it cannot be acted upon. A verbal report from the Committee can- 
not be accepted. If the report is lost it would be allowable to supply a copy. Op. 
XXXVIL, July I, 1872. 

22. Posts cannot hold "Executive Sessions." Op. XXXIV., April 20, 1S72. 



23- Public entertainments cannot be opened or closed according to the Ritual. 
Op. XLL, Dec. 7, 1S72. Sec. i, Art. XIII., Ch. V., Page 31. 

24. Posts may admit properly qualified applicants without regard to their resi- 
dence. " Unless such persons have made previous application for membership, no 
other Post has any jurisdiction in the matter." Op. XXXVI., June 5, 1S72. 



POST OFFICERS. 
Named in Sec. i, Art. VI , Ch. II , Page 9. 

Elected — Sec i. Art. VII., Ch. II., Page 9. Post Commander, Senior Vice Post 
Commander Junior Vice Post Commander, Quartermaster, Surgeon, Chaplain, Offi- 
cer of the Day, Officer of the Guard. 

Appointed by the P. C. — Adjutant, Sergeant-Major, Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
Sec. I, Art. VII., Ch. II., Page 9. 

Titles of Address — Each officer will be addressed only by the title of his office. 
All other members shall be addressed as comrades. Art. VIII , Ch. V., Page 29. 

Eligibility — .\11 members in good standing are eligible to office. Sec. 2, Art. 
VI., Ch. II., Page 9. 

Elections are to be held on the first stated meeting in December of each year. 
Sec. I, Art. VII , Ch. II., Page 9, and, except to fill vacancies (Sec. 3, Art. ^TI., Ch. 
II., Page 9), no previous notice is required. A majority of all the votes cast is nec- 
essary to elect. Votes cast for an ineligible candidate are not to be counted. Sec. 
2, Op. LIX., Jan. 22, 1S74. 

Thus a vote cast for a comrade on a third ballot who received the lowest num- 
ber of votes on the second ballot, when his name is to be dropped, is not to be 
counted. 

/Representatives and Alternates to Department Encampment (Art. IX., Ch. II., 
Page 11), elected on basis prescribed in Par. 3, Art. II., Ch. III., Page 12, their 
term commencing January ist, for one year. Op. XVIII., Dec. 29, 187 1. 

Number based on returns of members in good standing for September 30th. 
Sec. 4, Art. II , Ch. III., Page 13. 

Vacancies for representatives may be filled by election, as provided in Sec. 3, 
Art. VII., Ch. II., Pa^e 9. 

The place of representatives absent at the Department meetings will be filled 
by the regularly elected alternates in such relative order as may be prescribed by 
Post or Department Rules. 

1^0 proxies can be allowed. Op. 7, Jan. 12, iSSo, Page 697, Journal iSSo. Op. 
II, Jan 17, 18S0, Page 699, Journal iSSo. 

Past ojjicers who were elected to fill a vacancy, and served to the end of their 
term, are entitled to all the honors of a full term Op. 3, Dec, 17, 1S79, Page 696} 
Journal iSSo. 



POST COMMANDER. 

General Duties. Art. VIII., Ch. II., Page lo. 

Section i. It shall be the duty of the Post Commander to preside at all 
meetings of the Post ; to enforce a strict observance of the Rules and Regula- 
tions and By-Laws, and all orders from proper authority; to detail all officers and 
committees not otherwise provided for ; to ap])ri)ve all orders drawn upon the 
Quartermaster for aj^propriations of money made and jiassed at a stated meeting 
of the Post ; to forward the returns required by Chap. V., Art. II ; and to per- 
form such other duties as his charge may require of him. 

(See Returns and Reports, Mamtal.) 

Is a member of the Department Encampment during his term. Is expected 
to attend its meetings and advance generally the interests of the Order, and is re- 
sponsible for the safe return of Department property in case of disbandment of 
Post. {Installation Serz'ices.) 

Appoints on the night of installation the Adjutant, and, up in the recom- 
mendation of the Adjutant and Quartermaster, the Sergeant-Major and Quarter- 
master-Sergeant. Sec. I, Alt. VII., Ch. II., Page 9. 

Issues credentials to Representatives, forwarding copy to A. A. G. immedi- 
ately after the election. Sec. 3, Art. II., Ch. Ill, Page 13. Blanks should be fur- 
nished by Department Headquarters. 

Holds as Trustee the bond of the Quartermaster. Sec. 5, Art. \'II, Ch. V., 
Page 29. (See Bonds, Manual.) 

May be suspended by Department Commander when charges are preferred 
against him. Op. XLVL, March 24, 1S73. Sec. 8, Art. VI., Ch. V., Page 28. 

Can only be tried by court-marshal appointed by Department Commander. 
Sec. 3, Art. VI., Ch. V., Page 27. 

Cannot suspend comrade against whom charges are preferred before convic- 
tion. Op. LXVI., July 30, 1875. 

Has no power to pardon comrades condemned by sentence of Post C. M. Op. 
LXIV., March 16, 1S75. 

Must forward to Department Headquarters full proceedings of Post C. M. 
where the sentence is Dishonorable Discharge, but may confirm or disapprove sen- 
tences of lighter degree. Sec. 6, Art. VI., Ch. V., Page 28. 

Cannot turn over command lo a comrade not a member of the Post exceept an 
Inspecting or Mustering officer. Op. XIII., Feb. 27, 1878, Page 545, Journal 1878. 

General Instructions. 

The Commander should be familiar with the R. and R., and with common 
parliamentary law. 

The Rules of Order of National Encampment, Page 35. R. and R., with slight 
alterations, will answer nearly all practical purposes of a Post. 

For a complete code on Congressional Rules and Practice, consult Wilson's 
Digest of Parliamentary Law. (Kay & Bros., Philadelphia.) 



The Ritual should be memorized thoroughly. 

The officers and guard should be drilled in the muster-in services in the inter- 
vals of Post meetings until perfect, and each officer should be prepared to act for 
the next highest officer in his absence. 

Errors in the instruction of a recruit should not be pitbUcly corrected, unless 
absolutely necessary, and then the instruction will be communicated by the P. C. in 
a low tone to the officer in fault, and care taken that the error be not repeated. 

The Commander is responsible for the discipline of the Post when in session 
or on parade. 

He will receive and respond to the proper salutations of members. If his at- 
tention be momentarily withdrawn, comrades must wait respectfully, and not call 
attention by rudely stamping the feet. 

The General Orders, Printed Proceedings, etc., received by the P. C. from 
Headquarters are Post property, and after being read to the Post, on the meeting 
next after their receipt, will be properly filed and kept accessible to members. 

In accordance with military usage, will conduct correspondence with Depart- 
ment Headquarters. (See Correspondence, Manual.) 

Vice-Commanders. — Art. VIII., Ch. II., Page lo. 

Sec. 2. The Vice Post Commanders shall perform such duties as are 
required of them by the Ritual, and in the absence of the Commander shall take 
his place in the order of their rank. If neither of them are present, the Post shall 
elect a Commander //-f tempore. 

The Adjutant.— Art. VIII., Ch. II., Page lo. 

Sec. 3. — The Adjutant shall keep in books properly prepared : 

1. The Rules and Regulations of the Grand Army of the Republic and the 
By-Laws of the Post, to be signed by every comrade on his becoming a member. 

2. A Descriptive Book, ruled to embrace every fact contained in the applica- 
tion as well as the date of acceptance and muster, and a column for general 
remarks. 

3. A Journal of the proceedings of the Post, after the same shall have been 
corrected and approved. 

4. An Order Book, in which shall be recorded all orders and circulars issued 
by the Post Commander. 

5. A Letter Book. 

6. An Indorsement and Memorandum Book. 

7. A Blank Book, in which shall be recorded the names of all rejected candi- 
dates, and also of all members of the Grand Army who have been dishonorably 
discharged 

He shall attest by his signature all actions of the Post, and draw all orders on 
the Quartermaster, to be approved by the Post Commander ; shall notifv in writ- 
ing nevvly-elecied members, and shall, under the direction of the Post Ccminander, 
prepare all reports and returns required of him. He shall perform such other 
duties as appertain to his office, and shall transfer to his successor without delay 
all books, papers and other property. 

(See Returns and Reports, Manual.) 



The Adjutant may lie styled the right hand oi the Commander. Much of the 
-efficiency of the Post depends on the manner in which his duties are performed. 
He should be able to refer promptly to the records of preceding action of the Post, 
to communications, and Orders received. 

The yoiirnal should be ruled down the outer margin of each page, leaving one 
and one-half inches of space to index the headings of each item of business. 

The minutes should not be entered on the Journal until after they have been 
read to the Post for correction. 

When the minutes are read the P. C. will say : " If there is no objection the 
minutes will stand approved as read » * * They are so approved." 

If it is .desired to change any action of the Post, a motion to do so by striking 
from the minutes cannot be entertained. It must be done by a motion to reconsider 
■under neiv business. See also Op. 28, March 29, 1S79, ^^age 620, Journal 1S79. 

These minutes should recite in detail the action of the Post. 

The name of the proposer of any business should be always given. 

The substance of remarks or discussions need not be noted unless specially 
required. 

Lengthy communications or reports need not be entered in full unless so direct- 
ed, but a brief synopsis of each should be given, and the papers then numbered and 
filed for reference. 

Important and lengthy resolutions should be committed to writing by the 
proposer. 

Resolutions accompanying a report should be entered in full. 

The General Orders are to be read in place and then tiled, unless action thereon 
is called for. Nat. and Dept. Orders should be preserved in Binders for handy 
reference and as Post property. 

The Adjutant recommends the Sergeant-Major for appointment by the P. C 
He details the guards under orders of the P. C, including Inside and Outside 
Sentinels. 

Quartermaster. — Art. VIII., Ch. II., Page 11. 

Sec. 4. The Quartermaster shall hold the funds, securities, vouchers, and 
other property of the Post, and fill all requisitions drawn by the Adjutant and ap- 
proved bv the Post Commander ; he shall collect ail moneys due the Post, giving 
his receipt therefor ; he shall keep an account with each member, and notify all 
comrades in arrears ; he shall render a monthly account in writing to the Post of 
its finances, which shall be referred to an auditing committee appointed by the Post. 
He shall make and deliver to the Post Commander all reports and returns required 
of Post Quartermasters by Ch. V., Art. II., and shall deliver to his successor in 
otiice, or to any one designated by the Post, all monevs, books, and other property 
of the Post in his possession, or under his control. He shall give security for the 
faithful discharge of his duties as provided in Ch. V., Art, \'II. 

(See Returns and Reports, iVanual.) 

The Q M. requires a Cash Book, Ledger, and Receipt Book. 
On the Cash Book should be noted each payment as made, and the entries 
should be read before adjournment to allow corrections. 



8 



The Receipt Book should also carry forward on the stubs the total receipts. 

The Requisitions or Orders duly receipted by the party to whose order they are 
drawn are his vouchers for payment, and the total of these deducted from the 
Receipts gives balance Cash on hand. 

Some pages of the Cash Book should be ruled for a summary of Disburse- 
ments, giving No of Requisition, date, for whom drawn, for what account, and 
amount, so as to be always ready for reference. 

The Q. M. recommends the Quartermaster-Sergeant for appointment by the 
P. C. 

The Q. M. S. should fill out the Receipts as payments for dues are made by 
comrades, and entered in the Cash Book, and after signature by Q. M. hand them 
to the comrades. 

FORM FOR RECEIPT BOOK. 



Post No. . . . 
Date . . . 

From 

Dues to 

Posted Ledger Page 



$ . . . Headquarters Post No . . . 

iSS 

Received of Comrade 

dollars cents 

for dues to 



Quartermaster. 
[Keep this Receipt.] 



Quartermasters are required to give bonds for the faithful performance of their 
duties. Art. VII., Ch. V., Page 29. (See Bonds, Matnial.) 



Surgeon. — Sec. 5, Art. VIII., Ch. II., Page ir. 

The Surgeon is required to make a complete return quarterly on blanks of 
Form F relative to the wounds or disabilities of each recruit. (See Returns and 
Reports, Manual ) 

For this purpose he will see that the form now appended to each Application 
is properly filled at inuster-in, making a clear statement of the nature of any disa- 
bilities the result of service. 

If no record has been made for the present members of the Post, the Surgeon 
should at once remedy the omission. 

The visitation of sick comrades by the Post Surgeon must be governed by the 
circumstances of each case. Professional etiquette may prevent his visiting a cc.m- 
rade unless by special request of the attending physician. 

He can, however, do 7\. good wqxV. in the visitation of the poor and afflicted who 
rightly look to the Grand Army for help. 



Chaplain.— Sec. 6, Art. VIII., Ch. II., Page ii. 

The Chaplain shall officiate at the opening of the Post and at the funeral of 
Comrades when attended by the Post, and perform such other duties in connection 
with his office as the Post may require. 

(See Ritual and Services.) 

Other Officers.— The Officer of the Day (Sec. 7, Art. VIII., Ch. II., Page 
11) will see that the equipments and paraphernalia of the Post are in proper place. 
He conducts the e.Kamination of visitors in the ante-room. 

He will have charge of the ballot-box during the election of members, present- 
ing the same to the P. C. for his announcement of the result. 

After placing the ballot-box on the altar, the. O. D. will take position two paces 
to the right of the altar and face the P. C. 

He instructs the recruit in the unwritten work, which should be carefully mem- 
orized and be given clearly and plainly. ( See Instrucitons in Ritual.) 

The Officer of the Guard has charge of the Guard and Sentinels. He directs 
the admission of members of the Post with the countersign. Visiting Comrades and 
members without the countersign will be reported to the P. C. for his orders. 

No one is to be admitted to the Post without the countersign unless personally 
and positively vouched for by a member in the room. 

No one should be admitted during the opening or muster-in services. 

( See Ritual.) 

The Sergeant-Major (Sec. 8) assists the Adjutant. 
The Quartermaster-Sergeant (Sec. S) assists the Q. M. 



10 



DEPARTMENTS. 



Organization of Departments provided for by Sec. i, Art. 1., Ch III., Page 12. 

Provisional Departments may be organized by the Commander-in-Chief in States 
or Territories where the Grand Army of the Republic is not established. Sec. i, 
Art. X., Ch. v., Page 30. 

Departments may be formed when si.K Posts are organized. The Commander- 
in-Chief will issue orders for a meeting for this purix)se. Sec. 2, Art. X , Ch. V., 
Page 30. The Commander-in-Chief may organize a Department with less than si.x 
Posts if satisfied that a State or Territory has not a sufficient number of soldiers or 
sailors to organize that number of Posts. Sec. i, Art. I., Ch. III., Page 12. 

The National Encampment at its annual session, or the Commander-in-Chief, 
with consent of the C. of A , may at any time revoke the charter of a Department 
which for three-quarters of a year has failed to forward its reports or dues, and may 
remand such Department to a provisional condition. Sec. 6, Art. I , Ch. ^^, Page 23. 

Department charters are to be signed by the Commander-in-Chief and counter- 
signed by the A. G. A charter fee of twenty dollars is to be paid. Sec. 5, Art. I., 
Ch. v., Page 22. 

Department Encampment. — Art. II., Ch. III., Page 12. 

Is composed of the officers named in Sec. 2, Art. IV., Ch. III., Page 13, viz : 
Commander, Senior Vice-Commander, Junior Vice-Commander, Assistant Adjutant- 
General, Assistant Quartermaster-General, Inspector, Judge Advocate, Chief Mus- 
tering Officer, Medical Director, Chaplain, and Council of Administration, and as 
per Par. i, Art. II., Ch. III., Page 12. 

" All Past Department Commanders who have served for a full term of one 
year, or who having been elected to fill a vacancy, shall have served to the end of 
the term, so long as they remain in good standing in their respective Posts ; and all 
Past Post Commanders so long as they remain in good standing in their respective 
Posts in such Departments as have so decided by a two-thirds vote at an annual 
meeting. 

" 2d. All the Post Commanders for the time being throughout its jurisdiction 
( in the absence of the Post Commander, the Senior or Junior Vice-Commander may 
act ;) and 

" 3d. Members selected by ballots by the several Posts in the ratio of one for 
every fifty members in good standing, and of one additional member for a final frac- 
tion of more than half that number in Departments having three thousand members 
or more ; but in those Departments having a membership of less than three thousand 
the ratio shall be one representative for every twenty-five members in good standing, 
and one additional representative for a final fraction of more than half that number. 
But each Post, whatever its numbers, shall be entitled to choose at least one mem- 
ber. These elected members, and an equal number of alternates, shall be chosen at 
the time and in the mode of electing officers of Posts, at the first stated meeting in 
December, and shall serve during the year, commencing on the first day of January 



II 

following. Any vacancies that may occur shall be filled in the same manner as pro- 
vided in Sec. 3, Art. \'II., Ch. II., Page 9. 

" Credentials. — They shall be furnished with credentials signed by the Post Com- 
mander and [*ost Adjutant, a copy of which shall be forwarded immediately after 
the election to the A.«.>istant Adjutant-General of the Department. 

^'Arrears. — But all Posts in arrears for reports or dues shall be excluded for 
the time being from representation, eiiher by Post Commander or otherwise, in the 
Department Encampment. 

"4th. The number of representatives to which each Post is entitled shall be 
determined by the qu.irterly report (Sept. 30th) last preceding the election." 

Where reports have been made and forwarded and have not been received at 
Headquarters, representatives may be admitted if the Encampment is satisfied on 
that point Op. XLIX., April 23, 1873. 

A Past P. C, on removal by transfer to a Department other than that in which 
he served as P. C, is not entitled to a seat and vote in the Encampment to which 
he is transferred. Op. 9., Jan. 17, 18S0, Page 699, Journal iSSo. 

No election for Representatives can be held after the first meeting in December 
(note to Op. LI., April 28, 1S73) e-'^cept to fill vacancies as provided in Sec. 3, Art. 
VII , Ch. II., Page 9. 

Posts mustered after January 1st can be represented in the Annual Encampment 
of that year by P. C. only.* Sec. 2, Art. II., Ch. III., Page (2, constitutes as mem- 
bers all the P. C.'s for the time being. 

In the absence of the P. C, the S. V. C, or J, V. C, may represent the Post. 

Representation in Dep. Encampment is based on returns of members in good 
standing in Posts, Sept. 30th. Res. N.E , Page 559, Journal 1S78. Sec. 4, Art. II., 
Ch. III., Page 13. 

Representatives to the National Encampment shall be chosen from Comrades of 
the Department, as provided in Sec. 2, Art. II., Ch. IV., Page 17. Representation 
in National Encampment is based on returns for Dec. 31st. 

The Department Encampment shall assess a per capita ta.x at the annual session. 
Sec. 2, Art. III., Ch. V., Page 24. 

Meetings.— Art. III., Ch. III., Page 13. 

Section i. There shall be an annual meeting of each Department Encamp- 
ment between January ist and May ist of each year, and a semi-annual meeting, if 
so determined at the annual meeting of the Department, or by the Council of Ad- 
ministration. 

* Res. Nat Encamp., Cleveland, P.»se iq7 yourna.1. On the admission of Representatives from 
Posts mustered after January 1st, admiued to an Annual Encampment. 

Whereas, It has come to the knowledge of this N. E that certain Departments have heretofore 
innocently admitted to representation in their Encampments delegates not legally elected and qualified ; 
therefore 

Resolvedy That such admission of improperly elected delegates be declared in violation of the R. 
and R., and theiefore void and of no eflect. 



12 

Sec. 2. Sp3cial meetings may be convened ]5y order of the Commander, by 
and vvitli the advice and consent of the Council of Administration, provided tliat no 
business except that specified in the order for such special meeting shall be transact- 
ed thereat ; and no alterations affecting the general interests of the Department shall 
be made at a special meeting. 

In case of failure to hold an Encampment for election of Officers the Commander- 
in-Chief may order the Department Commander to call such meeting or may take 
jurisdiction of the whole matter. Op. IX., Sept. 15, 187 1. 

By-Laws.— Art. X.* Ch. HI., Page 16. 

Department Encampments may adopt By-Laws for the government of the 
Department, not inconsistent with these Rules and Regulations or the By-Laws or 
orders of the National Encampment, and may provide for the alteration or amend- 
ment thereof. 

Officers.— Sec. 2, Art. IV., Ch. III., Page 13. 

Elected. — Art. V., Ch. III., Page 14. Commander, Senior Vice-Commander, 
Junior Vice-Commander, Medical Director, Chaplain, Council of Administration. 
They are to be elected at the annual meeting in the manner prescribed for the elec- 
tion of officers of Posts in Sec. 2, Art. VII., Ch. II., Page 9. 

Appointed h'j the Department Commander. Sec. i. Art. VI., Ch. IIL, Page 14. 
Assistant Adjutant General, Assistant Quartermaster-General, Inspector, Judge- 
Advocate, Chief Mustering Officer. These Officers may be removed at the pleasure 
of the Commander. Sec. i. Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 14. 

These officers enter on their duties immediately after the adjournment of the 
meeting at which they were chosen, and hold office until their successors are duly 
installed. Sec. 2, Art. V., Ch. IIL, Page 14. See Op. IX., Sept. 15, 1S71. 

A Department officer is entitled to all the rights and privileges of any .other 
member of his Post. . . . May be an officer of the Post, and whilst so serving 
is under its jurisdiction. Op. 5, Jan. 6, iSSo, Page 696, Journal iSSo. 

Vacancies in elective offices may be filled by the Council of Administration. 
Sec. 3, Art. V., Ch. Ill , Page 14- 

Department Commander — Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 14. 

Section i. The Department Commander shall, immediately after entering 
upon his office, appoint an Assistant Adjutant-General, an Assistant Quartermaster- 
General, an Inspector, a Judge-Advocate, and a Chief Mustering Officer, and may 
remove these officers at his pleasure. 1 le may appoint as many Assistant Inspectors 
on the nomination of the Inspector of the Department, and as many Aides-de-Camp 
as he may deem necessary. He shall preside at all meetings of the Department 
Encampment and Council of Administration, shall forward the reports and dues to 
National Headquarters, and see that all orders received from thence are properly 



13 

published and obeyed ; shall issue suitable charters to all Posts organized in his 
Department, and perform such other duties as are incumbent on officers of like 
position. 

(See Returns and Rf.ports, Manual.) 

He is ex-afficio a metnber of the National Encampment. Sec. i, Art. II., Ch. 
IV., Page 17. 

Holds as Trustee the Bonds of the A. A. G and A. Q. M. G. Sec. 5, Art. VII., 
Ch. v., Page 29. (See Bonds, Manual.) 

Names selected for Posts must be submitted for his approval. Par. i. Art. III., 
Ch. I., Page 4. 

A Past Department Commander who receives an honorabh; discharge, severs 
his connection with the Order, and caimot, on rejoining as a recruit, assume the 
honors of that position. Op. 21, Dec. 5, 1878, Page 615, 'Journal 1S79. 

A Past Department Commander, whose Post has become disorganized, regains 
his seat in the National and Department Encampments when his Post resumes its 
good standing in the Order. Op. LXX., Dec. 30, 1S75. 

Vice Department Commanders. — Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 14. 

Sec. 2. The Vice-Commanders shall asssist the Commander by counsel or 
otherwise, and in his absence or disability they shall fill his office according to 
seniority. 

Are members of the National Encampment. Sec. 2, Art. II., Ch. IV., Page 17. 

The Assistant Adjutant-General. — Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 14. 

Sec. 3. The Assistant Adjutant-General shall keep correct records of the 
proceedings of the Department Encampment and of the Council of Administration ; 
he shall conduct the correspondence and issue all orders under direction of the 
Commander, draw all requisitions upon the Assistant Quartermaster-General, make 
out all returns to National Headquarters and transmit the same, through the De- 
partment Commander, to the Adjutant-General, countersign all charters issued by 
the Commander, keep an Order Book, a Letter Book, an Indorsement and Memo- 
randum Book, and files of all orders, reports, and correspondence received and re- 
maining in his office, and perform such other duties and keep such other records 
in connection with his office as may be required of him by the Commander or the 
Department Encampment. He shall receive as compensation for his services such 
sum as the Department Encampment may from time to time determine. 

(See Returns and Reports, Manual.) 

Countersigns Post Charters. Sec. i. Art. I, Ch. V., Page 22. 

Required to make a full report to the Department Encampment, and when 
retiring from office to deliver to his successor all moneys, books, and other property 
of the Department in his possession or under his control. Sec. 10, Art. VI., Ch. 
III., Page 15. 



H 

Is a member of the National Encampment. Sec. 2, Art. II., Ch. IV., Page 17. 

AssisTA.N'T Quartermaster-General. — Sec. 4, Art. VI,, Ch. III., Page 15. 

Shall hold the funds, securities, vouchers, and property of the Department, 
and fill all requisitions drawn by the Assistant Adjutant-General and approved by 
the Commander, and shall give good and sulificient security, to be approved by the 
Council of Administration, for the faithful discharge of his dut es. 

(See Returns and Reports, Manual.) 

Shall give Bonds in a sum and with sufficient sureties. Sec. 2, Art. VII., Ch. V., 
Page 29, to be approved by C. of A. (See Bonds, Manual.) 

Inspector. — Sec. 5, Art. VI , Ch. III., Page 15. 

Receives the reports of Inspections of Posts (Form H), as provided in Art. V., 
Ch. v., Page 26, and makes a consolidated report (Form E) to the Department 
Commander and Inspector-General. Nominates Assistant Inspectors for appoint- 
ment by the Department Commander. 

(See Returns and Reports, Manual.) 

(See Inspection, Art. V., Ch. V., Page 26.) 

Judge-Advocate. — Sec. 6, Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 15. 

Passes upon questions referred to him by the Department Commander. 
(See Appeals, Manual.) 

Chief Mustering Officer. — Sec. 6, Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 15. 

No special duties are assigned this officer by the R. and R. In some Depart- 
ments he directs the appointment of comrades to install the officers of Posts. 
He will act under the orders of the Department Commander. 

Medical Director. — Sec. 7, Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 15. 
Receives and consolidates the returns of Post Surgeons made on Form F. 
(See Returns and Reports, Manual. 

Chaplain.— Sec. 8, Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 15. 

Council of Administration. 

Is composed of the officers named in Sec. 2, Art. IV., Ch. III., Page 13, and 
five members elected by ballot by the Department Encampment. 

Sec. 9. The Council of Administration shall have charge of the working 
interests of the Department, shall audit the accounts of the various officers, shall 
keep a full and detailed record of its proceedings, and shall present the same for 
the consideration of the Department Encampment at each stated meeting thereof. 
Art. VI, Ch. III., Page 15. 



15 

[The Council should hold a meeting prior to the Encampment, and examine 
thoroughly the vouchers and accounts of the officers receiving and disbursing moneys 
and make such recommendations as may seem necessary.] 

Fills vacancies in elective officers of the Department. Sec. 3, Art. V., Ch. III., 
Page 14. 

Approves Bond of A. Q. M. G. Sec. 4, Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 15. 

General Provisions. — Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 15. 

Sec. 10. The various staff officers shall make to the Department Encampment, 
at each stated meeting, full and complete reports in writing of the operations of their 
departments, and when retiring from oflice shall deliver to their successors all moneys, 
books, and other property of the Department in their possession or under their con- 
trol. 

PROVISIONAL DEPARTMENTS. ^ 

Organization, Art. X., Ch. V., Page 30. 

The Commander and A. A. G. will represent the Department in National En- 
campments. Par. 2, Sec. i. Art. II. Ch. IV., Page 17. 

Prov. Commanders are limited to the staff officers named in the above Arti- 
cle. The Inspector-General may nominate assistants in Prov. Departments if he 
deem it necessary. Op. XIV., Oct. 19, 187 1. 



i6 



NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT. 

Ch. IV., Page 17. 
The Encampment. — Art. II., Ch. IV., Page 17. 



Section i. The National Encampment shall be composed, 
1st. Of the Commander-in-Chief, Past Commanders-in Chief, and Past Vice- 
Commanders-in-Chief, so long as they remiin in good standing in their respective 
Posts, and the other officers named in Art. IV., Sec. 2. of this Chapter (Senior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Adjutant-General, Quarter- 
master-General, Inspector-General, Judge Advocate General, Surgeon-General, Chap- 
lain-in Chief, and Council of Administration. Sec. 2, Art. IV,, Ch. V., Page iS). 

2d. Of the Commanders, Vice-Commanders, and Assistant Adjutant-Generals 
of the several Departments, and the Commander and Assistant Adjutant-General of 
each Provisional Department for the time being (for whom no proxy or substitute 
can act). 

3d. Of Past Department Commanders who have served for a full term of one 
year, or who, having been elected to fill a vacancy, shall have served to the end of 
the term, so long as they remain in good standing in their several Posts ; and 

4th. Of one representative-ntlarge from each Department, and one repre- 
sentative for each one thousand members in good standing therein, and one addition- 
al representative for a final fraction of more than one-half of that number ; such 
representatives to be elected by the Depaitment Encampment, as provided in Ch. 
III., Art. IX. Any Department having less than one thousand members, and more 
than five hundred, shall be entitled to one representative in addition to one repre- 
sentative-at-large. 

Election of Representatives. — Sec. 2. These representatives shall be elected at 
the time and in the mode of electing otiicers of Departments, and their number shall be 
ascertained and fi.xed by the last preceding return of members entitled to be counted 
in representation, as filed with the Adjutant-General ( December 31st ). Each De- 
partment shall also elect, in the same manner and at the same time, an equal number 
of alternates. Only these representatives or their alternates shall be admitted to- 
seats. 

Credentials. — They shall be furnished with credentials signed by the Commander 
and Assistant Adjutant-General, a copy of which shall be forwarded to the Adjutant- 
General immediately after their election. 

Arrears. — Sec. 3. Whenever Posts are in arrears, their entire membership 
shall not be counted for representation in the National Encampment. 

Sec. 4. Departments and Provisional Departments in arrears for reports or 
dues shall be excluded from all representation in the National Encampment until the 
same are forwarded. 

Rules and Regulations — The supreme power of this Association is lodged 
in the National Encampment. Art. I , Ch. IV., Page 17. 

It, only, has power to alter or amend the Rules and Regulations or Ritual. 

Proposed amendments must be duly forwarded to National Headquarters, so- 
that copies may be furnished tj each member at least thirty days befo e the annual 
meeting. Res. Nat. Encampment, Page 643, Journal 1879. 



17 

Meetings.— Art. III., Ch. IV., Page i8. 

Section i. The stated meeting of the National Encampment shall be held an- 
nually, between the second Wedne.sday in May and the first Wednesday in July, 
as may be fixed by the Commander-in-Chief, by consent of the Council of Adminis- 
tration, and at .'•uch place as shall have been dtterminedat the previous staled meet- 
ing. 

Sec. 2. Special meetings may be convened by order of the Commander-in- 
Chief, by and with the advice and consent of the National Council of Administration. 



Officers.— Sec. 2, Art. IV.. Ch. IV., Page iS. 

Elected by National Encampment : Commander-in-Chief, Senior Vice Com- 
mander-in-Chief, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Surgeon-General, Chaplain-in- 
Chief, and Council of Administration. Sec. i. Art. V., Ch. IV., Page 19. 

Appointed hy Commander-in-Chief: Adjutant-General, Quartermaster-General, 
Inspector General, Judge Advocate-General. Sec. i, Art. VI., Ch. IV., Page 19. 
Art. v., Ch. IV., Page 19. 

Sec. 2. They shall enter upon the duties of their respective offices immediately 
after the adjournment of the meeting at which they were elected, and shall hold 
ofiice until their successors are duly installed. 

Sec. 3. Vacancies occurring during the year shall be filled by the Council of 
Administration. 

All members in good standing shall be eligible to any office in the G. A. R. 
Sec. 2, Art. III., Ch. IV., Page 18. 



The Commandek-in-Chief. — Art. VI., Ch. IV., Page 19. 

Section i. The Commander-in-Chief shall enforce the Rules and Regulations 
of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the orders of the National Encampment 
and Council of Administration, and for this purpose he may issue such orders as may 
be necessary. 

He shall preside in the National Encampment and Council of Administration, 
decide all questions of law or usage, subject to an appeal to the National Encamp- 
ment ; approve all requisitions properly drawn on the Quartermaster-General, and 
shall hold all securities given by National officers, ai^ trustee for the Grand Army of 
the Republic. He shall appoint, immediately after entering upon his office, the 
Adjutant-General, the Quartermaster-General, the Inspector-General, the Judge Ad- 
vocate-General, and Assistant Adjutant-General, as many Assistant Inspectors-Gen- 
eral, on the nomination of the Inspector-General, and as manv Aides-de-Camp as he 
may deem necessary. He shall appoint all other National officers and committees 
not otherwise provided for. He shall promulgate through the proper officers the 
National countersign, and may change the same at his discretion, and shall issue to 
all Departments, regularly organized, suitable charters and appoint Provisional Com- 
manders in Stales and Territories where there is no Department Organization. 

May permit the introduction of any novelty in the muster-in service approved by 
him, on its submission by a vote of a Department, provided it shall not require any 
change in the printed matter of the Ritual. 



May dispense with the requirements for quarterly reports, if so requested by a 
vote of any Dei)artment Encampment, and require the same only semi-annually for 
the terms ending June and December. Res. Nat. Encampment, Cleveland, 1872, 
Page 199, yoitrnal. 

Commander-in-Chief may authorize translations of the Ritual. Op. VII., Sept. 
12, 1S71. 

May order convening of Department Encampment, for the election of officers, if 
the Department organization fails to meet as provided. Op. IX., Sept. 15, 1S71. 

Cannot remand a Department to a Provisional condition when it is reduced to a 
less number of Posts than are required to organize 2. Department. Op. X., Sept. 15, 
187 1. But, with consent of Council of Administration, may revoke the charter of a 
Department failing to make reports for three-quarters of a year, and remand such 
Department to a Provisional condition. Sec 6, Art. I , Ch. V., Page 23. 

Cannot fill vacancy in Nat. C. of A. occurring between sessions. Op. XXV., 
Feb. 3, 1S72. 

Vice Commanders-in-Chief. — Art. VI., Ch. IV., Page 20. 

Stc. 2. The Vice Commanders-in-Chief shall assist the Comminder-in-Chief 
by counsel or otherwise, and in his absence or disability they shall fill his office ac- 
cording to seniority. 

As Past officers, are members of the National Encampment so long as they re- 
main in good star.ding in their respective Posts. Sec. i. Art. II., Ch. IV., Page 17. 

Adjutant-General. 

Sec. 3. The Adjutant-General shall keep correct records of the proceedings of 
the National Encampment and Council of Administration ; he shall conduct its cor- 
respondence and issue the necessary orders, under the direction of the Commander- 
in-Chief All returns received by him from Departments shall be turned over to the 
proper officers. 

He shall prepare all books and blanks required for use of the Grand Army of 
the Republic, and shall distribute the same, under the direction of the Commander- 
in-Chief, charging the several Departments a reasonable and uniform price for all 
books and blanks furnished for their use. He shall draw requisitions on the Quar- 
termaster-General, to be approved by the Commander-in-Chief, and shall pertorm 
such other duties and keep such other bodks and records as the Commander-in-Chief 
or the National Encampment may require of him He shall give security for the 
faithful discharge of his duties, to be approved by the Commander-in-Chief, and shall 
receive as com|)ensation for his service such sum as the National Encampment may 
from time to time determine. 

(See Returns and Reports, Manual.) 

Quartermaster-General. 

Sec. 4. The Quartermaster-General shall hold the funds, securities, and^vouch- 
ers of the National Encampment, and fill all requisitions drawn upon him^by the 
•Adjutant-General and approved by the Commander-in-Chief. He shall give good 



19 

and sufficient security, in a sum to be approved by the Council of Administration, 
for the faithful discharge of his duties, and shall receive such compensation for his 
services as the National Encampment may from tune to time deternkine. 
(See Returns and Reports, Manual.) 

Inspector-General. 

Sec. 5. The Inspector-General shall perform such duties as are required of 
him by Ch. V., Art V., and shall receive such compensation for his services as the 
National Encampment may from tinie to time determine. 

(See Returns and Reports, Manual.) 

Surgeon-General. 

Sec. 6. The Surgeon-General shall perform the duties properly appertaining 
to that office. 

(See Returns and Reports, Manual.) 

Chaplain-in-Chief. 

Sec. 7. The Chaplain-in-Chief shall perform such duties in connection with 
his office as the Commander-in-Chief or the National Encampment may require. ^ 

Judge Advocate-General, 

Sec. 8. The Judge Advocate-General shall perform the duties belonging to 
that office. 

General Provisions. — Page 21. 

Sec. 10. The several staff officers shall present to the National Encampment 
at each annual session full and detailed reports in print of the operations of their 
respective Departments, and when retiring from ofdce shall deliver to their succes- 
sors all moneys, books, and other property of the Grand Army of the Republic in 
their possession or under their control. 

National Council of Administration.— Sec. 2, Art. IV., Ch. IV., Page 18, 
and Sec 9, Art. VI., Ch. IV., Page 21. 

Consists of the officers of the National Encampment named in the above 
section and one comrade from each Department, to be chosen by the National 
Encampment. 

Sec. 9. The National Council of Administration shall meet as may be deter- 
mined by the National Encampment at their staled meeting, and at such other times 
and places as the Commander-in-Chief may order, and ten members shall constitute 
a quorum. It shall audit the accounts of the various National officers, may propose 
plans of action, and shall repiesent in all matters ihe National Encampment in the 
interval between its sessions. It shall keep full and detailed records of its proceed- 
ings, and present the same as its report at the stated meeting of the National En- 
campment lor the consideraiiuii of that body. 

The Council of Administration, by resolution of National Encampment, Page 
475' Journal of 1877, is directed to meet immediately after adjournment of Encamp- 
ment, and select a smaller number to act duiingthe interim. (See note to Art. VI., 
Ch. IV, Page 21.) 

Approves bond of Q. M. G. Sec. 4, Art. VI., Ch. IV., Page 20. 
Vacancies (in elected officer-^) recurring during the year shall be filled by the 
C. of A. Sec. 3, Art. V., Ch. IV., Page 19. 



20 



GENERAL. 

ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP. (See Eligibility, Manual.) 

By muster, Art. II., Ch. II., Pages 5-7. 

By transfer. Art. III., Ch. II., Page 7. 

Application for membership must be made on the blanks furnished by National 
Headquarters. The Post Commander must see that they are properly filled up 
before presentation to the Post. 

Application on transfer card must be made on the usual blank, accompanied by 
the transfer card. 

Applicants must be balloted for whether the Committee report favorably or 
unfavorably. Op. 16, Aug. 2, 1S7S, Page 614, Journal 1879. 

Except under dispensation from the Commander-in-Chief or the Department 
Commander, committees on applications ca7inot report at the meeting when appoint- 
ed, but must report at a subsequent meeting. The election of an applicant at the 
meeting on which his application is received, without dispensation, is illegal. Op. 
XI., Sept. 29, 187 1. 

The election of a previously rejected candidate without the consent of the 
Post that rejected him (Sec. 5, Art. II., Ch. II., Page 6), is illegal. Op. LXXII., 
March 22, 1876. 

If the Post to which an applicant for reinstatement belonged is disbanded, 
application may be made to any other Post upon payment to Department Head- 
quarters of amount due the Post. Op. 6, Jan. 5, 1880, Page 697, Journal 18S0; 
also note to Art. IV., Ch. V., Page 25. 

A ballot may bs set aside by the Department Commander before muster on 
ascertaining that the applicant was an unfit person to be received, and the commit- 
tee ordered to make a further investigation. Op. LVIL, Oct. 29, 1873. 

When a discharge is |)resented bearing evidence of having been procured by 
fraud, we are warranted in inquiring how it was obtained. Op. LIV., July 19, 1S73. 

Applicants must present themselves for muster within three months of their 
election, but the Commander-in-Chief or Department Commander may giant a 
dispensation waiving this rule in a particular case. Sec. 7, Art. II., Ch. II., Page 7. 

The Commander-in-Chief or Department Commander may detail a staff officer 
or comrade to muster applicants residing outside the territorial limits of a Post. 
Sec. 9, Art. II., Ch. II., Page 7. 

An admission fee of not less than one dollar is required from each applicant. 
Sec. 8, Art. II., Ch. II,, Page 9. By-Laws may prescribe any larger sum. Par. i, 
Op. v., Aug. 14, 1871. The fee forfeited by failure of applicant to present himself 



21 

for muster within tlie prescribed time may be returned if the Post deem the circum- 
stances requ're it. Op. I[., July 3, 1S71. 

Membeis under the old grade system who did not take the obligation of the 
third grade must now make a new application. Sec. 10, Art. II., Ch. II., Page 7. 
Op. L, Aug. 29, 1S77, Page 536, Journal 1S7S. 

The Grade system (Recruit, Soldier, and Veteran degrees) was adopted by 
National Encampment at Cincinnati, May 12 and 13, 1S69, and abolished by National 
Encampment at Boston, May 10 and 11, 1871. 



ELIGIBILITY. (See Admission, Manual.) 

To Membership. Art. IV., Ch. I , Page 4. (As changed by Nat. Encamp- 
ment, June 18, 1879.) 

"Soldiers and Sailors of the United States Army, Navy, or Marine Corps, 
who served between April 12, 1S61, and April 9, 1S65, in the war for the suppres- 
sion of the Rebellion, and those having been honorably discharged therefrom after 
such service, and of such State Regiments as were called into active service and 
subject to the orders of U. S. General Otiicers between the dates mentioned, shall 
be eligible to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. 

"No person shall be eligible to membership who has at any time borne arms 
against the United States." 

Declared Eligible. — 1st. Applicant who may reside nearer another Post 
than that to which he applies. Op. XXXVI., June 5, 1S72. 

2d. Applicant with honorable discharge, if obtained without fraud, though 
borne on the State rolls as a deserter. Op. LXIX., Oct. 14 ,1875. "^^^ ^^^° ^P- 
LIV., July 19, 1873. 

3d. Cashiered officer who had been reinstated in the Army and granted an 
honorable discharge. Op. XXII., Jan. 29, 1872. 

4th. Paymaster's Clerk in the Navy. Op. VI., Sept. 7, 1871. 

5th. Applicant borne on the rolls under an assumed name may be mustered 
under his true name. The question of identity must be determined by the Post, 
after careful investigation and upon satisfactory testimony. Op. 20, April 10, iSSo, 
Page 705, Journal 1880. 

6th. A former member dishonorably discharged may be admitted to the Post 
which discharged him on an application approved by the officer (or his successor) 
who approved the sentence of Court martial. Op. XXIV., Feb. 3, 1872. 

Decl.^red Ineligible — ist. No person shall be eligible who has at any time 
borne arms against the United States. Art. IV., Ch. I., Page 4. No exception can 
be made on account of involuntary service against the Union, even on subsequent 
enlistment and discharge from the Union service. Op. IV., Aug. 11, 187 1. The 
Judge Advocate-General, Op. 12, Jan. 17, 18S0, Page 699, Journal 18S0, suggests 
that there may be cases proper for relief by the Nat. Encampment. 

2d. Daughter of the Regiment. Op. XXXI., April 15, 1S72. 



3d. Deserter who again enlisted under a false name and obtained a discharge 
under the assumed name. Op. LIV., July 19, 1S73. 

4th. Paymaster's Clerk in the Army. Op. L, April 25, 1873. 

5th. Scout, unless an enlisted man. Op. XVI I., Dec 5, rS/i. 

6th. Otticers of the Revenue Service. Op. XLVII., April it, 1S73. ^P- 24, 
Jan. 21, 1S79, Page 618, your>tal 1S79. 

7th. Members dropped for non-payment of dues are not eligible to join any 
other Post, or form part of a new one, until reinstated. (Sec. 4, Art. IV., Ch. V., 
Page 25 ) Op. XXXV., May 25, 1S72. Also Op. XLII,, Dec. 19, 1872. Op. 6, 
Jan. 6, iSSo, Page 697, Journal 1880. Foot-note to Page 25, R. and R. 

8th. Contract Surgeon, commissioned by the President and confirmed by the 
Senate, but not mustered into service. Op. 26, March 29, 1879, Page 619, Joiirfial 
1879. 

To Office. — All members of the Grand Army in good standing are eligible to 
any office in the Order. 

Sec. 2, Art. VI., Ch. II., Page 9. Posts. 
" I, " IV., " III., " 13. Departments. 
" I, " IV., " IV., " 18. Nat. Encampment. 
A vote or By-Law declaring officers ineligible to re-election is illegal. Op. 
VIII., Jan. 29, 1878, Page 542, Journal 1878. 

A comrade residing outside the territorial limits of a Department is not eligible 
to office in such Department. Op. XXIII. , Feb. 3, 1872. 

APPEALS.— Art. VII., Ch, III., Page 16. 

" All members shall have the right of appeal through the proper channels 
from acts of the Posts or Post Commanders, and Department Commanders or 
Encampments to the ne.xt highest authority and to the Commander-in-Chief, whose 
decisions shall be final, unless reversed by the National Encampment; but all de- 
cisions appealed from shall have full force and effect until reversed by competent 
authority." 

Disputed questions arising in Posts must be first decided by the Post Com- 
mander, and then by the Post on an appeal from his decision; "thence to the 
Department Commander ; thence to the Department Encampment or Council of 
Administration, if either is in session, and afterwards, or if they are not in session, 
directly to the Commander-in-Chief, and from him to the National Encampment or 
Council of Administration." Op. LVI., Oct. 29, 1873. 

But at each stage the question is to be decided by the officer receiving the 
same, who will return the papers through the proper channels, and each decision 
will stand as the law until reversed by competent authority. 

The Department Commander or Commander-in-Chief may request the opinion 
of the Judge-Advocate or Judge Advocate-General whenever deemed necessary. 

Questions requiring official decisions must not be referred directly to the Judge- 



23 

Advocate by Posts or comrades, but must be forwarded throagh the proper channels, 
in accordance with military usage, and returned in the same manner. 

Appeals should be made in proper form in writing. (Sie Correspondence, 
Ma II 11 jI.) 

ARREARAGES.— Art. IV., Ch. V., Page 25. 

Members — Sec. 3. Any member nf n Post who is six months in arrears in the 
payment of his dues shall be prohibited from voting, shall be ineligible to any office 
in the Grand Army of the Republic, and shall be rei)orted suspended . . . until such 
dues are paid. . . . Provided, however, that when a comrade is unable by reason of 
sickness or mis/01 licite to pay his dues, they may be remitted bv a iwo-thirds vote of 
the members present and voting at a regular meeting of the Post. . . . 

The general regulations prescribe that a suspended member is not eligible to 
office and has no vote. Any regulation on the subject adopted by a Post not incon- 
sistent therewith will be valid. Such By-Law may provide that suspended comrades 
be debarred the privilege of attending the meetings of the Post. Par. i. Op. 
XVI., Nov. 26, 1S71. 

The power given to Posts in Ch. V., Art. IV., Sec. 3. Page 25, to remit dues 
should be e.xercised, if at al!, before the case is reported to Department Headquar- 
ters. A Post cannot reinstate a comrade dropped for arrearages, and who had died 
after his name had been dropped. Op. XXVI., Feb. 24, 1872. 

Sec. 4. "If a comrade shall be one year in arrears for dues, he shall be drop- 
ped from the roll, and reinstated only by the Post which dropped him by a huothirds 
vote, by ballot, of all the nienibers present and voting at a regular meeting, upon pay- 
ment of a sum to be prescribed by a two-thirds vote of the members present and 
voting at a regular meeting ; said sum not to be less than the amount charged as 
must.er-in fee." 

Sec. 5. "The provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of this article shall not apply to 
any comrade in the service of the United States, and on duty at a distance from the 
Post of which he is a member." 

If the Post is disbanded, application may be made to another Post upon payment 
to the Department of amount due Post. Op. 6, Jan. 6, 18S0, Page 697, youriial 18S0; 
also note to Article quoted, Page 25, R. and R. 

Members "dropped" for non payment of dues must not be reported "dishonor, 
ably discharged." Op. 2, Aug. 29, 1S77, Page 536, Journal 1878. 

A member suspended for non-payment of dues may be reinstated at any time 
prior to his being "dropped" by payment of arrearages to make him in good standing. 

Posts. — Sec. 2. Any Post in arrears for returns and dues shall be e.xcluded from 
all representation until the same are forwarded. 

Posts in arrears twenty days are to be published in General Orders. Res. Nat. 
Enc. 1 88 1, Page 803 Journal . 

Department officers belonging to Posts in arrears do not thereby forfeit such 
o.ifice. Op. XIII., Oct. 12, 1S71. 

If reports have been made and forwarded, but have miscarried, the Department, 
on being satisfied of that fact, may admit the representatives of such Posts. The 



24 

Department officers should notify Posts of non-receipt of reports. If forwarded and 
not received, duplicates must be made. Op. XLIX., April 23, 1873. 

Departments. — Sec. i. Any Department in arrears for reports or dues shall be 
deprived of all representation in the National Encampment until the same are for- 
warded. 

Members of the National Cou.icil of Administration shall not be debarred from 
membership by reason of their Departments being in arrears. Par. i, Op. XII., 
Oct. I, 187 1. 

RETURNS AND REPORTS. 

Art. II., Ch. v., Page 23. 

Posts. — The Adjutant prepares quarterly returns on Form A under direction of the 
P. C. Sec. 3, Art. VIIL, Ch. II., Page 10. 

The Quartermaster makes quarterly returns on Form B. Sec. 4, Art. VIIL, 
Ch. II., Page II. 

The Surgeon makes a report on P'orm F, as may be required by the Medi- 
cal Director. Sec. 7, Art. VI., Ch. III., Page 15. 

The Post Commander is required to forward these reports to the A. A. G. 
of the Department on the first days of yaniiary, April, ytily, and October, with 
the names of members in good standing who have held the offices of Command- 
er-in-Chief, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, 
or Department Commander, and a list of applicants rejected during the quarter. 
Sec. I, Art. II , Ch. V., Page 23. 

The list of those rejected should show name, company, regiment, or vessel 
of service, and date of rejection. 

The Post Commander shall forward at the same time (through the Assistant 
Adjutant-General) to the Assistant Quartermaster-General the Department ta.x 
on the members reported in good standing on Form A. Sec. 2, Art. III., Ch. 
v.. Page 24. 

Posts in arrears for reports must be e.xcluded from representation in the 
Department Encampment. Sec. i. Art. IV., Ch. V., Page 25. 
Departments. — The A. A. G. will consolidate the quarterly returns of Post Adju. 
tants (Form A) upon Form C, to be forwarded by the Department Commander 
to the A. G, on or before the twentieth day of each quarter. 

Supplemental reports of Posts delinquent on previous returns should be 
made at the same time. Sec. 2, Art. II., Ch. V., Page 23. 

The A. A. G. is required to receive and turn over to the proper officers all 
other returns prescribed. Sec. 2, Art. II , Ch. V., Page 23. 

The A. Q. M. G. is required to consolidate the returns from Post Quarter- 
masters (Form B) upon Form D, to be forwarded as above prescribed for report 
of the A. A. G. Sec. 5, Art. II., Ch. V., Page 23. 

The Medical Director shall require such returns from Post Surgeons as may 
be needed and called for by the Surgeon-General, and shall make returns to 
that otticer. Sec. 7, Art. VI , Ch. III., Page 15. 



25 

The Depmtvient Commander is required to forward the consolidated re- 
ports of the Assistant Adjutant-General and Assistant Quartermaster-General 
to the Adjutant-General, National Encampment, on or before the twentieth 
days of April, July, October, and January. [See R. and R., above quoted.] 

He shall at the same time forward the quarterly tax due on members re- 
ported in good standing on Form C. Sec. i, Art. III., Ch. V., Page 24. 

Payment shall be made as required by the indorsement upon Form D, by 
Draft or Money Order, to the order of the Quartermaster-General. 

Departments in arrears for reports or dues shall be deprived of all repre- 
sentation in the National Encampment until the same are forwarded. Sec. i. 
Art. J v., Ch. v.. Page 25. 

Departments in making reports to National Headquarters must not include 
the membership of Posts in arrears. Representation is, therefore, lost to that 
extent in the Encampment. 

Inspection Reports. — The Inspection of Posts is provided for by Article V., Ch, 
v., Page 26. The Assistant Inspectors make returns of inspections of Posts 
on Form H, These reports are to be consolidated by the Inspector of the 
Department on Form E whenever required by the Commander-in-Chief or the 
Inspector-General. 



GENERAL NOTES. 

Representation of Posts in the Department Encampment is based upon 
the number of members reported in good standing on the return (A) for the 
M/ra' quarter, ending September 30th. 

Representation of Departments in the National Encampment is based 
upon returns (C) for tht four t/i quarter, ending December 31st. 

The Post Commander is responsible for prompt returns from his Post. 
He should see that the books and papers are always well kept, and in condition 
for making the summary required at the close of each quarter. 

The data called for on the application for membership should be neatly 
copied into the Descriptive Book on the night the recruit is mustered. This 
should be done by the Sergeant-Major. During the week preceding the end 
of the quarter this data should be copied on the Muster Roll of Form A, 
requiring then only the entry of names added at the last meeting for comple- 
tion. 

Hy the exercise of reasonable forethought all the work required can be so 
well in hand that, by remaining a short lime after the close of the Post meeting 
the returns could be completed and in the hands of the P. C. for mailing next 
day. 

This is the rule in the best managed Posts, and is found to be easier than 
to delay one, two, or three weeks, besides saving the annoyance and humiliation 



26 

attendant upon unnecessary delay or the negligent performance of duties. 

Officers-elect are not to be installed unless all the required reports have 
been made and forwarded. {Installation Services.) 

Timely requisition should be made for all blanks for returns, which will be 
furnished free of cost. (See Res. N. E., Page 479, Journal 1877.) 



LEAVE OF ABSENCE— TRANSFERS— DISCHARGES. 

Leave of Absence. — Sec. i. Art. IV., Ch. II., Page 8. 

Is a certificate that the holder is in good standing in his Post. Good far 
the time therein specified. 

Transfers. — Sec. 2. 

iVIay be applied for by a comrade in good standing at any regular meeting, 
either verbally or in writing. The P. C, however, has the discretionary power 
to require such application to be made in writing. Op. III., Par. 2, Aug. 11, 
1871. Op. XXVIII., March 16, 1872. 

Must be granted by the P. C. without a vote of the Post to such applicant 
as a matter of right, and no restriction can be imposed in the form of a fee or 
otherwise. Op. XXIX., April 2, 1872. Op. LXIIL, Jan. 25, 1875. 

Dues are not payable by a comrade holding a transfer card from and after 
date of transfer. Op. XXXIX., Sept. 2, 1872. 

Comrades holding valid transfer cards may visit Posts, but must satisfy the 
Post by the usual examination. Op. V., Nov. 26, 1877, Page 539, Journal 
1878. 

Admission on transfer card, provided by Art. III., Ch. II., Page 7. If the 
holder of a transfer card is not admitted to membership within one year from 
date, the transfer card will be void, and he considered honorably discharged. 
Sec. 2, Art. IV., Ch. IL, Page 8. 

Election to membership on application on transfer card (Sec. 4, Art. IV., 
Ch. II., Page 8) may be by ballot or viva voce. Par. 2, Op. V., Nov. 26, 1877, 
Page 539, Journal 1878. 

A Post on disbanding cannot issue transfer cards Op. XIX., Jan 2 
1872. 

Members of disbanded Posts in good standing at the time of dissolution 
of Post receive transfer cards from the A. A. G. Sec. 4, Art. IV., Ch. II., 
Page 8. 

Discharge. — Art. IV., Ch. II., Page 8, Sec. 3. Honorable discharge to be granted 
as above provided for Transfers. Provided, 

1st. That the application lay over to a subsequent meeting. 
2d. If the applicant has committed any offence against the Order, the 
granting of the Discharge paper may be reasonably delayed to allow the pre- 
sentation of charges. Op. XLV., Feb. 26, 1873. 



27 

Provision is made for re-admission of comrades honorably discharged, in 
Sec. 3, Art, IV., Ch. II., Page 8. 

Dishonorable Discharge can only be by Court-Martial. Op. I., July i, 1S71. 

Comrades dishonorably discharged may be re-admitted on reformation and 
witli approval of officer approving the sentence. Op. XXIV., Feb. 3, 1872. 

Comrades "dropped from the rolls" for non payment of dues must be so 
reported, and not as "dishonorably discharged." Op. II., Aug. 29, 1S77, Page 
536, Journal 187S. 



VOTING. 

Posts. — No special form or sign is provided for vcjting in Posts, e.xcepting for the 
admission of recruits and the election of officers, when a ballot is required. 

The vote for applicants by transfer may be either by ballot or viva voce. Op. 
v., Nov. 26, 1S77, Page 539, Journal 1878. 

At elections for officers a ballot may be di^pe^sed with by unanimous con- 
sent. Sec. I, Art. VII., Ch. II., Page 9. 

All other matters will be voted on viva voce. 

[P. C. All in favor of the motion, will say Aye. All opposed to the motioni 
will say No. 

The motion appears to be carried (or lost ) 

If no division be called for he will declare the motion carried (or lost.) 

If a division be called for he will cause all in favor to rise and be counted 

by the Adjutant, thence those opposed.] 

Posts may by By-Laws provide that all comrades present shall vote on any 
question when their attention is called to the rule (Op. LVIII., Jan. i, 1874); 
also for the calling and entry on the records of the yeas and nays on the demand 
of (say five) comrades. 

Posts cannot ballot collectively on applications for membership. Op. 27, 
March 29, 1S79, P^g^ 6'9> Journal 1879. 

"The mode of election by ballot gives to every comrade voting an unquestion- 
able right and opportunity lo express his opinion. 1 he ballot should be conducted 
so thnt no comrade's vote shouhl lie known, and he cannot froni the nature of the case 
be called in question for e.xercising his choice. No comrade ought to be influenced 
by personal dislike or malice, but should decide in every case upon his honest con- 
victions. Yet, if he dues not, he cannot be restrained of his privilege. He must 
answer to his own conscience." 

" The Regulations prescribe that before the vote is taken an opjjortunity shall 
be given to anv comrade to state hi> objections to the candidate, and, if this is com- 
plied with, the friends of the candidate will ordinarily withdraw his application if it 
becomes probable that he will not be elected ; or if invalid objections are presented, 
after friendly discussion, they may be removed." Op. XV., Nov. 16, 1871. 



28 

Departments. — Each member present is entitled to one vote. The ayes and noes 
may be required by any three members representing different Posts. Art. VIIL, 
Ch. III., Page 1 6. 

National Encampmex r. — Each member present is entitled to one vote. The ayes 
and noes may be required and entered upon the record at the call of any three 
members representing diffeient Departments. Art. VII., Ch. IV., Page 21. 



BONDS.— Art. VII., Ch, V., Page 29. 

Bonds are to be approved ( except for an A. Q. M. G , whose Bond must be ap- 
proved by C. of A.) and held by the respective commanding officers as trustees for 
their several commands. 

It is required that each Post Quartermaster give bonds in a sum to be named by 
the Post ; each Assistant Quartermaster-General in ihe sum to be named by the 
Council of Administration ; the Quartermaster-General in the sum of five thousand 
dollars, and the Adjutant-General in one thousand dollars. 

This matter is of vital importance to the organization, and demands the closest 
scrutiny. 

Posts of the Grand Army, unincorporated, cannot bring suits against default- 
ing officers, except in an indirect and troublesome manner. The law as applicable 
to such institutions in each State should be carefully examined by the Judge-Advo- 
cate in each Department, in order that a bond may be provided that will stand legal 
tests, and forms then printed and issued to Posts. 

Goierallv, the bond of an officer re-elected, and not renewed for each term, is void. 

The Depaitment of Pennsylvania has adopted the following form as legally cov- 
ering the whole ground in that State : 

Knoiv all men by these Presents : That we; of the of 

in the County of and State of and of the said are 

held and firmly bound unto of the said in the County and 

State aforesaid. Post Commander of Post No. Department of 

Grand Army of the Republic, and Trustee, as such Com- 
mander of the said Association, in the sum of lawful money of the 
United States of America, to be paid to the said Post Commander 
and Trustee of the Association as aforesaid, or his successor as Commander ; and 
Trustee, to his certain attorney, executors, administrators or assigns to which pay- 
ment well and truly to be made, we do bind ourselves, jointly and severally our res- 
pective heir.«, executors, and administrators, firmly by these presents. Sealed with 
our seal. Dated the day of in the year of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and 

Whereas, The above bounden has been chosen by an Association 

known as Post No. Department of , Grand Army 

of the Republic, as Quartermaster thereof, to serve until the day of 

A. D. 18 by reason whereof, and as such Quartermaster, he will receive into his 
hands and possession divers sums of money, documents, books, papers, etc., the prop- 
erty of said Association, and by virtue of said office, as Quartermaster, is bound to 



29 

keep true and correct accoui.t of said property, and of his receipts and disbursements 
for and and on account of said Association. 

Now the condition of this Oblit^ation is such, Tiiat if the above bounden 
shall and will from time to time, and at all times hereafter for and during 
the above-mentioned term of office, and for and during any one or more subsequent 
terms for which he may hereafter be elected Quartermaster of the said Association, 
and until he shall deliver all the ))roperty which he may have received as such 
Quartermaster to his successor in office, or to such other person or persons as said 
Association or its authorized officers may direct, well and taithfully perform and dis- 
charge all and singular the duties now required, or which may hereafter be lequired 
of him as Quartermaster aforesaid, by the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regu- 
lations of the said Grand Army of the Republic ; and if the said his executors, 
or administrators at the expiration of his said term of office, or at the expiration of 
any subsequent term for which he may hereafter be elected, and whenever he shall 
cease to be Quartermaster, upon request to him or them made, shall make and give 
unto such auditor or auditors as shall be appointed by the said Association a just 
and true account of all such sum or sums of money, goods and chattels, and other 
things as have come unto his hands, charge, or possession, as Quartermaster afore- 
said, during the term above mentioned, or during any subsequent term for which he 
the said may hereafter be elected, and shall and do pay and deliver over to his 
successor in office, or to such other person or persons as said Association or its 
authorized officers may direct, all such balances or sums of money, goods and chat- 
tels, and other things which shall appear to be in his hands, and due from him to the 
said Association, then this obligation to hz void, or else to be and remain in full 
force and virtue. 

Sealed and delivered in the presence of us. [seal.] 

[seal.] 

To Esq , Attorney of the Court of Common Pleas, at in 

the County of in ihe State of , or to any other Attorney of the 

said Court, or of any other Court there or elsewhere : 

Whereas, We of the of in the County of and 

State of of the said in the County and State aforesaid, in and 

bv a certain obligation bearing even date herewith, do stand bound unto 
of the of in the County and State aforesaid, Post Commander 

of Post No, Department of and Trustee as such Com- 

mander of the said Association, in the sum of lawful money of the Unite 

States of America, reciting whereas the above bounden has been chose 

by an Association known as as Quartermaster thereof to serve until th 

day of A. D. 18 by reason whereof, and as such Quarter- 

master he will receive into his hands and possession divers sums of money, docu- 
ments, books, papers, etc., the property of said Association, and by virtue of said 
office, as Quartermaster, is bound to keep true and correct account of said property, 
and of all his receipts and disbursements for and on account of such Association. 
Now the condition of this Obligation is such. That if the above bounden 

shall and will from time to time, and at all times hereafter for and during 
the above mentioned term of office, and for and during any one or more subsequent 
terms for which he may hereafter be elected Quartermaster of the said Association, 
and until he shall deliver all the property which he may have received as such 
Quartermaster to his successor in office, or to such other person or persons as said 
Association or its authorized officers may direct ; well and faithfully peiform and 
discharge all and singular the duties now required, or which may hereafter be re- 
quired of him as Quartermaster aforesaid, by the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and 
Regulations of the said Association ; and if the said his executors or 

administrators, at the expiration of his said term of office, or at the expiration of 
any subsequent term for which he may hereafter be elected, and whenever he shall 
cease to be Quartermaster, upon request to him or them made, shall make and give 



30 

unto such auditor or auditors as shall be appointed by the said Associationa just and 
true account of ail such sum or sums of money, goods, chattels, and other things as 
have come unto his hands, charge, or possession, as Quartermaster aforesaid, during 
the term above mentioned, or during any subsequent term for which he the said 
Quartermaster may hereafter be elected ; and shall and do pay and deliver over to 
his successor in office, or to such other person or persons as said Association or its 
authorized officers may direct, all such balances or sums of money, goods, and chat- 
tels, and other things which shall appear to be in his hands, and due from him to 
the said Association, then this obligation to be void, or else to be and remain in full 
force and virtue. 

These are to desire and authorize you, or any of you, to appear for us, our 
respective heirs, executors, or administrators, in the said Court or elsewhere, in an 
action of debt there or elsewhere brought, or to be brought against our respective 
heirs, executors, or administrators, at the suit of the said Post Commander and 
Trustee aforesaid, his successors in the office of Commander, or his assigns, on the 
said obligations, as of any term or time past, present, or any other subsequent term 
or time there or elsewhere to be held, and confess judgment thereupon against us, 
our respective heirs, executors, or administrators, )or the sum of lawful 

money of the United States of America, debt, besides costs of suit by Non sum 
informatits Nihil dicit, or otherwise, as you shall seem meet : And for you, or any 
of you so doing, this shall be your sufficient warrant ; and we do hereby for our- 
selves, our respective heirs, executors, and administrators, remise, release, and for- 
ever quitclaim unto the said Commander and Trustee aforesaid, his certain attorney, 
successor, as Commander aforesaid, and assigns, all and all manner of error and 
errors, misprisions, misentries, defects, and imperfections whatever in the entering 
of the said judgments, or any process or proceedings thereon or thereto, or anywise 
touching or concerning the same. 

Ill Witness whereof, We have hereto set our hand and seal the day 

of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 

Sealed and delivered in the presence of us. 

[seal.] 
[seal.] 



COURT-MARTIAL. 

Revising Article VI., Chapter V., Page 27. 



The following Rules, prepared pursuant to action of the National Encamp- 
ment, 1879 (see Par. XTH., Page 640, Journal 1S79), are issued for the instruction 
and government of the Order. It being designed : 

1st. To give Posts more control over charges preferred against their members. 
2d. To avoid the necessity for a formal Court-Martial in petty cases. 3d. As a 
guide for conduct of Court-Martial. 

From and after promulgation hereof, no Post Courts-Martial shall be convened, 
except when the same shall have bsen ordered by a majority vote of the Post of 
which the accu-^ed shall be a member, or of the Post under whose jurisdiction or 
control he shall be at the time, or by the Department Commander. 

If a Post deem charges, duly presented, too trivial for trial by Court-Martial, 
yet requiring investigation, upon a motion duly made, and adopted by a majority 
vote of the Post, the P. C. shall appoint a Court of Inquiry, of three or five 
comrades in good standing, to whom the matter shall be referred, with authority to 
make such examination as may by them be deemed necessary, reporting in writing, 
at the earliest date, their findings and recommendations thereon for the action of 
the Post. 

The findings and sentences of Post Courts-Martial shall be approved by a 
majority vote of said Post, subject to an appeal to the Department Commander. If 
the sentence of any Post Court-Martial shall be dishonorable discharge or dismissal, 
if approved by a majority vote of the Post, the proceedings, findings and sentence, 
shall be forwarded by the Post Commander to the Department Commander (through 
the Assistant Adjutant-General of the Department) for his approval. Such a sen- 
tence cannot be promulgated without his approval. 

Post Courts-Martial shall be composed of not less than five (5) nor more than 
nine (9) members and a Judge-Advocate, all of whom shall be appointed by the 
Post Commander in a special order convening the Court. He shall name the com- 
rade who shall act as the President of the Court, and the other members of the Court 
shall rank before the Court according to their numbers or names in the said special 
order appointing the Court. 

No member can be dishonorably discharged without trial by Court-Martial, 
Op. I., July I, 1S71. 

Sentences of Courts-Martial must not be published outside our Order. Op. 
XXX., April 15, 1872. 

It is not proper to collect and read in open Post evidence involving the charac- 
ter and reputation of a comrade. " If a comrade knows anything in the conduct of 
another which makes him an unfit associate of the members of the Post he should 



32 

prefer charges, and have his knowledge brought before the Court-Martial in the form 
of evidence." Op. XXXII, April 15. 1872. 

Details for Court-Martial may be made from any comrades in the jurisdiction of 
the officer ordering the Court. " It is not good ground for challenge that members 
have not held as high office as the accused." Op. 21, May 3, 1880, Page 705, 
'Journal 1S80. 

"The Post Commander in detailing a Court-Martial should exercise a sound 
discretion. He should not select those near of kin to the accused, or those known 
to entertain i^rejudice, and should not detail a comrade who would probably be the 
reviewing officer. The accused could challenge for cause any member." Op. 5, 
Jan. 6, 18S0, Page 6^6, Joicmal iSSo. 

"By military usage the reviewing officer has power to mitigate a sentence when 
it is sent up for his approval, but not after he has once passed upon it. His action 
then is final." Op. LXIV., March 16, 1875. 

"The Commander-in-Chief may revise, remit, or reduce the sentence of C.-M. 
in meritorious cases at any time, on application, approved by intermediate authori- 
ties." Res. Nat. Encampment 1S80, Page 724, Jotirnal 1S80. 

The Commander-in-Chief, or a Department Commander, may refuse to order a 
trial by Court-Martial, in any case, if deeming the charges ' too trivial," or for other 
cause-s in their dijscretion. Op. I , March 23, 18S1, Page 784, Jourml 1881. 

The following form of order shall be used by the Post Commander : 

Headqu.^rters, Post, No.- . . . 

Department of G. A. R., 18 . . 

Special OiJDErs No 

A Post Court-Martial is hereby appointed to meet at 



on the day of A. D. 18 

or as soon thereafter as practicable, for the trial of Comrade 

DETAIL FOR THE COURT. 

I. Comrade President. 2. Comrade 

3- " 4- ;; 



7- 8. 

9. " 

Comrade to be Judge-Advocate. 

By order of the Post, 



Post Commander. 



Adjutant. 
The following shall be the form of the charge and specification 



Charge and specification preferred against Comrade 

of Post, No 



Department of G. A. R. 

Charge {Ifcre insert the charge.) 



Specification. — In this that the said Comrade . . . 
[Here specify 7vltat he did.) 



[Here insert other specifications, or other charges and specifications, to cover 
the case.) 



33 



All this at 

on or about the day of i8 . . 

By order of Post No. . 



Post Commander. 
Attest, , 

Adjutant. 
The Judge-Advocate shall give the accused at least ten days' notice of the time 
and place at which the Court will sit for his trial, enclosing a copy of the charge and 
specification, and a list of the members of the Court. The notice shall be in the fol- 
lowing form: 

, , IS . . 

Comrade 

You are hereby notified that a Post Court-Martial, by order of 

Post, No Department of 

. . . G. A. R. {or of the Department Co7ntnander), will convene for your trial upor» 
the charge and specification preferred against you. at 

on iS . . at . . . . o'clock . . . M. 

I send you herewith a copy of the charge and specification, and a list of the 
members of the Court. 

You will please attend. Yours in F., C, and L., 

Judge-Advocate of the Court. 

The Court shall meet at the time and place appointed, and proceed as 
follows : 

The Judge-Advocate shall call the roll of members of the Court, and M five are 
present the Court will be announced as open, and the accused admitted with his 
counsel. Should the accused not appear, the trial shall proceed in the same manner 
as if he were present. Should the Court be cleared for deliberation at any time, no 
person can be present e.xcept the Court and the Judge -Advocate. 

The Tudge-Advocate shall then rise and read aloud to the accused, if present, 
the order appointing the Court, and then ask the accused if he has any objection to 
any member of the Court named in the order, and record all objections in the pro- 
ceedings. If no objections are presented, the trial will go on ; but if objection is 
stated, the same shall be considered, after which the Court will be cleared, the chal- 
lenged member of the Court retiring. After deliberation, the doors will be re-opened, 
and the Judge-Advocate shall announce the decision of the Court. If the objection 
made by the accused is sustained by the Court, the challenged member cannot act in 
the case. 

The President and other members of the Court present shall then rise, and the 
Judge-.Advocate shall administer to them, together, the following 

Obligation of the Court. 

" You, and each of you, do soleinnly anfl sincerely declare and affirm, on honor 
as Comrades of the G. A. K., that you will well and truly try and determine, accord- 
ing to evidence, the matter now before you, that is to say, the charges and specifi- 
cations preferred against Comrade of i'ost No , 

G. A. R., and that you will duly administer justice according to the Rules and Regu- 
lations of the G. A. R., without jiartialitv, favor, or affection ; and, if any douot 
shall arise not explained by said Rulc-s and Regulations, according to your conscience, 
the best of your understanding, and the custom in l;ke cases ; and you, and each of 
you, do further declare and affirm that you will not divulge the sentence of the Court 



34 

until it shall be published by the pro|3er authority ; neither will you disclose or dis- 
cover the vote or opinion of any particular member of the Court-Martial, unless re- 
quired to give evidence thereof in due course of law. So you, and each of you, do 
affirm." 

The Judge-Advocate shall then rise, and take the following obligation, which 
shall be administered to him by the President of the Court. 

" You, Comrade , Judge Advocate of the Court, do 

solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm, on your honor as a Comrade of the 
G. A. R., that you will not disclose or discover the vote or opinion of any particular 
member of the Court-Martial, unless required to give evidence thereof, as a witness, 
by a Court of Justice, in due course of law, nor divulge the sentence of the Court 
to anv but the proper authority until it shall be duly disclosed by the same. So you 
do affirm." 

The Judge-Advocate shall then arraign the accused, reading aloud to him the 
charge and specification, and at the close shall say : 

" How say you. Comrade, , Guilty or Not Guilty ? " 

Whereupon the plea of the accused shall be taken, and recorded to each specifi- 
cation, as well as to the charge. 

The Judge-Advocate shall then call the first witness for the prosecution, and 
administer to him and every witness the following 

Obligation of Wittiesses. 

" You, Comrade , do solemnly and sincerely declare 

and affirm, on your honor as a Comrade of the G. A. R., that the evidence you shall 

give in the cause now in hearing, in the trial of Comrade , 

shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and this you do 
affirm." 

The Judge- Advocate shall then ask the witness : 

" Do you consider this affirmation and obligation binding on your conscience ?" 

The evidence of the witness shall then be taken, and written by the Judge- 
Advocate, in narrative form, as far as practicable. All questions shall be reduced 
to writing and handed to the Judge-Advocate, who shall read them to the witness, 
if they are proper questions and relevant to the case. Should any dispute arise as 
to the competency of evidence, or of any question propounded, the Court shall be 
cleared for deliberation, and, on re-opening, the decision shall be announced by the 
Judge-Advocate. 

When all the witnesses for the prosecution have been examined, the accused 
shall enter upon his defence. If no counsel shall appear on behalf of the accused, 
the Judge- Advocate shall assist the accused, so far as he can, in presenting his de- 
fence, and in shaping questions to his witnesses, but it shall also be the duty of the 
Judge-Advocate to cross-e.xamine the witnesses for the defence. After the testimony 
on both sides has been closed, the Judge- Advocate may address the Court, if he 
thinks proper, in support of the prosecution, and the accused, or his counsel, may 
address the Court for the defence, the Judge- Advocate having the privilege of 
making the closing argument in the case. Alter which the Court shall be cleared 
for deliberation 

The findings of the Court shall be by written vote upon each specification and 
chai-gc-. The votes shall be collected by the Judge- Advocate, and he shall announce 
the result to the Court when counted, which shall be done in their presence. The 
conviction or acquittal of the accused shall be determined by a majority of the votes 
of the members of the Court. The order in which the Court shall vote shall be as 
follows : The Court being ready to vote, the President so informs the Judge- 
Advocate, who then reads, in consecutive order, the specifications to the first charge, 
and then the first charge, and so on with the other charges and specifications, and 



35 

the votes shall he taken, in succession, upon each specification and charge, as it is 
read hy the Judge-Advocate. 

An equal division of the votes on any specification or charge shall result in a 
finding of not guilty as to that specification or charge. 

Votes having been taken, and the findings recorded, upon each specification and 
charge, the finding thus declared is the decision of the Court, and the sentence should 
then be pronounced in .strict accordance with the charges and specifications of which 
the accused has been Uiund ^{^u/Z^y, and should be without regard to individual sym- 
pathies or opinions. 'I'his is required by the obligation assumed by each member 
of the Court. 

The voting on the grade of sentence to be imposed shall be conducted as 
follows : Taking that of the highest grade first, if a majority of the Court present 
shall vote for the highcbc grade of punishment, it shall be recorded as the sentence 
of the Court. All memljers of the Court present must vote for some proper sen- 
tence of the Court, and if that which any member votes for is not adopted by a 
majority vote of those present, some punishment must be voted till a majority agree 
as to one punishment. 

Every Court- Martial shall keep a complete and accurate record of its proceed- 
ings, to be authenticated by the signatures of the President and Judge-.Advocate of 
the Court, who shall also certify, in like manner, the sentence pnmounced by the 
Court. 

The following form will serve to enable the Courts-Martial to present a proper 

Record of the Proceedings. 



Proceedings of a Post Court-Martial, convened at 

in the County of , Department ot 

by value of the following special order : 

{Here insert the order appointing the Court.) 

Headquarters , 

, i8 . . 

...... o'clock . . . M. 

The Court met pursuant to the above order. Present: 

Comrade , President. 

" Comrade 



and Comrade Judge-Advocaie. 

The accused, Comrade of Post No . . . , 

Department of , G. A. R., was also present {and his 

counsel, , if present.) 

The Judge-Advocate having read the order convening the Court, asked the 

accused. Comrade , if he had any objection to any 

memtier named therein, to which he replied that he had no objection to any member 
named in the order convening the Court. 

{Jn the event of object ion, stale the name of the number objected to as follows ; 

"The accused objected to Comrade , and stated his 

cause of challenge as follows : [Here insert the statement of the accused) Comrade 

(the challenged member of the Court) stated 

that ....," etc ) 

The Court was cleared, the challenged member retiring, and after due delibera- 
tion the doors were opened, the accused and challenged meml^er present, and the 
decision of the Court was announced by the Judge-Advocate: "That the challenge 



36 

is sustained as sufficient," or "That the challenge is not sustained, being in- 
sufficient." 

The members of the Court then rose, and they, and each of them, in the 
presence of the accused, were duly affirmed and obligated by the Judge-Advocate, 
and the Judge-Advocate was thereupon duly affirmed and obligated by the President 
of the Court, in the presence of the accused. 

The accused. Comrade , of Post No. . . . , 

Department of , G. A. R., was arraigned on the 

following 

Charges and specifications, which were read aloud by the Judge- Advocate. 
{Here insert them.) 

To which the accused pleaded as follows .• 

To the first specification of ist charge 

" second " " " 

" first charge 

" first specification of 2d charge 

" second " " " 

" second charge . . • 

Comrade , of Post No. . . . , G. A. R., a witness on 

the part of the prosecution, was duly affirmed aiid obligated. 

Question by Judge-Advocate {.Here insert question.) 

Answer {Here insert the answer.) 

(When the Judge- Advocate has finished his examination, the accused, or 
his counsel, may put questions, through the Judge-Advocate, who shall be recorded 
thus:) 

Question for defence 

Answer 

(When the cross-examination is completed the Court may put questions, through 
the Judge-Advocate, which shall be recorded thus :) 

Question by the Court 

Answer 

(And so on with each witness for the prosecution.) 
The prosecution here closed. 

Comrade , of Post No. . . . , Department of , 

G. A. R., a witness on the part of the defence, was duly affirmed and obligated. 

Question for defence 

Answer 

Question by Judge-Advocate .... 

Answer 

Question by the Court 

Answer 

{Should the Court adjourn p'.nding the proceedings.) 

The Court then adjourned to meet again at . . . o'clock ... M., on ... . 



{On re-assembling, the record proceeds.) 

.... o'clock .. . . M., 18 . . 

The Court met, pursuant to adjournment. Present : Comrade , 

President, Comrades {here insert names af all tnefnbers of Court 

present), and Comrade Judge Advocate. 

The accused was also present {with his counsel, ). 

The proceedings of the last session of the Court, ot iS . . . , 

were presented to the Court by the Judge-Advocate. 

{Here record additiottal proceedings.) 



37 

The accused (or "the counsel for the accused") addressed the Court (or "read 
a statement ") for the defence. (If in writing, it should be appended to the pro- 
ceedings and marked.) 

{//ere add the statevient of the Judge-Advocate, or " 7 he Judge-Advocate sub- 
mitted the case to the Court." 

The Court was then cleared for deliberation, and having maturely considered 

the evidence adduced, find the accused. Comrade of Post 

No. .... Department of G. A. R , as follows : 

Of the first specification of first charge, Guilty (or "Not Guilty," as the case 
may be). 

Of the second specification of first charge, Guilty (or " Not Guilty," as before. 

Of the first charge , Guilty (or "Not Guilty," as the case 

may be). 

[And so on with each specification and charge.) 



Sentence. 

And the Court do therefore sentence him. Comrade • , of 

Post, No. . . . , Department of G. A. R., that 

he be [Here ijisert the sentence of the Court.) 

(If a suspension, record it thus :) 

"suspended from membership in the Grand Army of the 

Republic, and from all rights and privileges of the Order, for the period of 

{/nsert the time.) 

(If a dishonorable discharge, record it thus :) 

" dishonorably discharged and dismissed from the Grand 

Army of the Republic." 

(Signed) 



President of the Court. 



Judge-Advocate. 

( When the proceedings are forzoarded to the Department Commatider, indorse 
as foil 07V s :) 

Proceedings, Findings and Sentence of the Court-Martial in the trial of 

Comrade , of Post No Department of , 

G. A. R. 

Approved. Respectfully forwarded to Commander, Dept., 

of G. A. R. 

(Signed) 

Post Commander, 

Post No. . . . , G. A. R. 

To , 

Asst. Adjt.-Gen'l. 



38 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

Correspondents must follow military usage. Communications are to be made 
on letter paper folded in three equal parts, and indorsed on the first fold in the 
following manner : 



Headquarters Post, No. — , 

Department of , G. A. R. 

iS 



B , 

Commander. 



[Here give brief statement of contents.] 



Reply will be made by indorsement through the different channels required. 

Comrades address Post Adjutants. Post Commanders the A. A. G of the 
Department. Department Commanders the Adjutant-General. 

From National Headquarters to Posts the reverse rule is followed. 

The Adjutant-General addresses the Department Commander, and the A. A. G. 
the Post Commander. 

As a matter of convenience the A. A. G. may address the A, G. direct on 
routine matters. 



Forms : 



A D- 



A Comrade in the Post. 



i8 



Adjutant , Post No. — 

Comrade : 
I respectfully ask a decision on the following point. 



* * ♦ 

Yours in F., C, and L., 

L. F. 



39 



Post to Department. 

Headquarters Post No. — , Dept. of , G. A. R. 

18 



A. A. G., Department of 

Comrade : 

Yours in F., C, and L., 
G H , 

Post Commander. 

Department to N^ational Headquarters. 

Headquarters Department of , G. A. R. 

18 



Adjutant-General, G. A. R. 
Comrade : 



* 



Yours in F., C , and L., 

Department Commander. 



ORDERS. 

The Official Orders of a Post will be signed, 

********* 

By order of A B , Post Commander. 

C D , 

Adjutant. 

Of a Department. 

By command of E F , Dept. Commander, 

G H , 

A. A. G. 

Of National Headqtcarters. 
By command of I J , Commander-in-Chief. 

Adjutant-General. 

Orders received by Posts should be read in place at the next meeting after 
their receipt. No vote is necessary on their reception. 

If business is suggested it lays over until "New Business." Otherwise the 
orders will be duly filed. 



40 

MEMORIAL DAY. 

Art. XIV., Ch., v., Page 32. 

Resolution of National Encampment, 1877, affirms that Memorial Day ^,is 
established to preserve the memories of those only who fought in defence of the 
national unity. 

Resolution of National Encampment, 1S7S, prescribes that all flags hoisted 
upon Memorial Day shall be at half-mast. 

Posts and comrades are required to observe Memorial Day, and whilst Posts 
near each other may properly combine for a joint observance, the method and the 
arrangement therefor is entirely for the discretion of the Posts concerned. 
The Department Commander cannot exercise command nor interpose his authority 
in such cases. Op. XLVIII. , April 17, 1873. 



PARADES. 

The following instructions will govern the formation of Posts in lire and in 
column, and will be observed on all public parades, funerals, and other occasions of 
ceremony. 

FORMATION IN LINE. 

The Post Commander takes position four yards in front of the centre of the 
Post, the Adjutant two yards in his rear ; the Senior Vice-Commander tvvo yards in 
front of the centre of the right platoon, and the Junior Vice- Commander two yards 
in front of the centre of the left platoon. 

The music will form on the extreme right. 

The Post color bearers will take position two yards on the left of the music. 

Comrades under arms take position two yards on the left of the Post colors. 
The officers of the Post not otherwise assigned take position two yards on the left 
of the comrades under arms in the following order ; Officer of the Day, Surgeon, 
Chaplain, Quartermaster, Officer of the Guard, and National, Department, and 
other visiting Officers, and Past Post Commanders, according to rank, two yards on 
the left of the O. D. 

The Post will form three yards on the left of these officers, with the Sergeant- 
Major on the right, and the Quartermaster-Sergeant on the left of the front rank . 
the National and State Colors on the left of the right platoon. 

Corps flags will be distributed at equal distances along the line, and will be 
carried by No. 4 of the proper section. 

The Sergeant-Major and Quartermaster-Sergeant will carry the Post Guidons. 



41 



FORMATION IN LINE. 



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FORMATION IN COLUMN. 

On wheeling into column the Post 
Commander will take position immedi- 
ately in rear of the comrades under 
arms, the Adjutant taking position on 
his left. The accompanying diagram 
shows the position of the other officers, 
and of the colors. 

Band. 



Post G. A. R. 
Flags. 

Comrades under Arms. 



Adjutant. Post C omman der. 

O. of G. Q. M. Chap. Surg. O. of D. 

National and Department Officers. 



Past Post Commanders. 



Serg't-Major. 



S. V. C. 



National and State Colors. 



J.V. C. 



Q. M. S. 



42 

GFNERAL INSTRUCTIONS. 

Should there be no comrades under arms, the same relative formation will be 
observed. 

If the Post be accompanied by a military escort without music, the escort will 
form, when in line, four yards on the left of the Post music, and will occupy the 
same relative position when in column. If provided with music, the military escort 
will form two yards on the right of the Post band, and will occupy the same relative 
position when in column. 

In formations in line or column of two or more Posts, they will form in their 
numerical order at four yards interval or distance. 

Visiting Posts will form four yards on the left of the Post whose guests they are. 

Posts will be divided into two equal platoons, formed in double rank and counted 
off in fours. 

FUNERAL HONORS. 

When the comrades under arms or a firing party are not separately officered, 
the Officer of the Day shall, under the Post Commander, have command of them 
and the pall bearers. 

SALUTING. 

The question of wearing swords or belts outside of the Post rooms is remitted 
to the different Departments or Posts for action. 

In marching, honors will be paid by dipping the colors only. 

None of the officers or comrades will salute with the hand when in column or 
on the march. 

When formed in line honors will be paid by dipping the colors, officers and 
comrades under arms " presenting arms," all others saluting only with the hand at 
the command, "Present, arms ! " (At the command ARMS, comrades will carry the 
right hand smartly to the visor of the cap, palm of the hand to the front, the fore- 
finger touching the vizor.) The hand will be retained in this position until the 
command, " Carry, ARMS ! " when it will be dropped smartly to the side. 




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